Question

How long to stay at work before going on maternity leave?

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I'm mulling over what to do about maternity leave. I'm 14 weeks now and just informed my employer. HR were lovely and talked me through the maternity package. They even told me what I could claim and the part that I could opt not to receive 'in case I decide not to return'.
My husband has a job sufficient to support us and I will not be returning to work after the birth (unless I change my mind ofc. Not bloody likely!) I have about 5 weeks leave left that I am entitled too and can book in a block to extend my maternity leave.
I'm due on the 8th of October. I'm allowed to go on maternity leave up to 11 weeks before my estimated week of birth. They work it out from Sunday the 6th so I could start maternity from the 14th of July. I can use my holiday to go off mid June if I like which would make me almost 6 months.
As this is my first pregnancy I'm not sure what to do for the best. Money isn't really an issue and I have lots of craft projects to keep me busy. Any thoughts?

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